Are you “Earthquake Ready?”

Would you be ready if an earthquake were to strike along the Wasatch Front? What would you do if such a natural disaster occurred?

Earthquakes have been a topic of conversation since the Haiti earthquake occurred. As if the earthquake in Haiti wasn’t enough, Chile was struck with an 8.8 magnitude earthquake, and a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan in the early hours of Thursday March 4. In the early hours of March 25, 6 miles west of Manila in the Philippines, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit.

Earthquakes seem to be a new trend, as the global warming situation gets worse by the minute. Along the Wasatch Mountains, there is a fault that can break at any given moment, which would create an earthquake.

A big magnitude earthquake is about 200 years overdue along the Wasatch Front. The magnitude of the earthquake would be so big that it would leave hundreds dead and thousands injured. The earthquake is expected to be greater than 8.0.

The Taylorsville Redwood campus would be greatly affected if this earthquake happens. The buildings at SLCC are not built with seismic protection, which would cause great damage if an earthquake were to strike.

“If an earthquake were to strike right now, I would be ready,” said Carlos Moreno, SLCC international student from Venezuela. “I have an earthquake kit ready at home, just in case.” In a poll of 20 students, 19 of them said they would not be ready if an earthquake were to strike right now.

West Jordan fire department suggests being ready for any kind of natural disaster, whether it’s an earthquake, a tornado, or a hurricane. Every student should have an earthquake kit for every individual living in your home, with a food supply for three days, water, flashlight, portable radio with an extra pair of batteries, and important documents. Store the earthquake kit in an easy to access place.

It is also very important to practice the duck, cover, and hold drill. Make sure to do so in a safe place. Stay away from windows and any hazardous material, especially windows and glass. It would be handy if you could learn about an area’s seismic standard.

There are several places where you can learn how to prepare for an earthquake, including the American Red Cross clinic and your neighborhood fire station.